Wearable electro-optical device using electrochromic layer

ABSTRACT

Flexible plastic screen for glasses, sunglasses or helmet faceshields with controlled light transmission based on applied electrical voltage. The screen consists of two transparent flexible conductive polymer electrodes disposed and an electrochromic layer disposed between them. The electrochromic layer is a homogeneous mixture of active electrochromic components dissolved in a polymer matrix. The electrochromic screen is operable to vary the light transmission of any wearable electro-optical devices, such as the glasses, for creating an effect of a blackout for augmented/virtual reality glasses.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/458,015, filed on Mar. 13, 2017, which claimsthe benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/307,560, filed on Mar. 13, 2016, and which is a continuation-in-partof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/800,626, filed on Jul. 15, 2015,which claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/025,004, filed on Jul. 15, 2014, and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/115,289, filed on Feb. 12, 2015, the entiretyof which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The disclosed embodiments relate in general to the field ofelectrochromic devices and, more specifically, to wearableelectro-optical devices, such as virtual/augmented reality glasses,sunglasses or helmet faceshields with controlled light transmittanceutilizing an electrochromic device.

Description of the Related Art

Wearable electro-optical devices with controlled light transmittancegenerally include sunglasses, helmet faceshields as well asvirtual/augmented reality glasses. Sunglasses and helmet faceshields areused to protect the owner's eyes from excessive exposure to direct andreflected sunlight. On the other hand, augmented reality glasses areoften combined with virtual reality glasses, which requires the abilityto easily switch between these two modes. Specifically, in the virtualreality mode, the glasses must be completely opaque and the user onlysees the computer-generated imagery and other information. In theaugmented reality mode, the user sees at least portion of the ambienceas well as interposed computer-generated imagery and other information.

Moreover, conventional sunglasses or helmet faceshields are not capableof changing their light transmittance, while many real-worldapplications of these devices require adjustment of the lighttransmittance based on the ambient lighting conditions. In other words,it would be desirable to effectively control the light transmittance ofsunglasses or helmet faceshields.

The aforesaid problem has been partially solved in the photochromiclenses and glasses. Photochromic lenses comprise a photosensitivecomponent. Photosensitive components become less transparent whenexposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. On the other hand, in the absenceof the UV exposure, the photochromic components regain their originaltransparency. Examples of these light-sensitive components includesilver halides or oxazines and naphthopyrans.

Unfortunately, the aforesaid photochromic lenses have a number ofsignificant drawbacks. Typical light transmittance change time inphotochromic lenses in response to exposure to UV radiation is a fewminutes. In addition, they respond only to UV radiation. Moreover, whenthe exposure to the UV radiation is terminated, the lenses requirecomparable time to recover their light transmission ability. Yetfurthermore, photochromic lenses are temperature dependent.

Thus, it would be desirable to have glasses, sunglasses or helmetfaceshields with controlled light transmittance. Therefore, new andimproved methods for manufacturing of virtual/augmented reality glasses,sunglasses or helmet faceshields are needed that would not be subject tothe above deficiencies of the prior art technology.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventive methodology is directed to methods and systems thatsubstantially obviate one or more of the above and other problemsassociated with conventional wearable electro-optical devices.

In accordance with one aspect of the embodiments described herein, thereis provided a wearable electro-optical device comprising: anelectrochromic layer comprising electrochromic composition comprising acathodic component in the form of a quaternary salt of dipyridine, ananodic component in the form of a ferrocene derivative or heterocycliccompound capable of switching between two oxidation states, a polymericthickener and a solvent, wherein the cathodic component comprises a saltof cation of 1,1′-dialkyl-4,4′-dipyridinium (alkyl group) or1,1-(alkane-alpha (alkaline spacer),omega-diyl)-bis-(1′-alkyl-4,4′-dipiridinium) with weakly coordinatedanions; a controller electrically coupled to the electrochromic layerand configured to apply a controlling voltage to the electrochromiclayer in response to a received control command to vary lighttransmittance of the electrochromic layer; and a power source forsupplying electrical power to the controller.

In one or more embodiments, the alkyl group is selected from C1-C8saturated alkyl, benzyl, phenyl or substituted aryls.

In one or more embodiments, the alkane spacer is selected from a C3-C5alkane chain.

In one or more embodiments, the anion of quaternary salt isnon-nucleophilic and comprises BF4-, PF6-, ClO4-, CF3SO3- or (CF3SO2)2N—or (CF3SO2)3C—.

In one or more embodiments, the polymeric thickener comprises a methylmethacrylate or its copolymer with acrylic and methacrylic acid or itssalts, polyvinyl acetate, a polylactic acid, or poly-3-hydroxybutyrateor its copolymers.

In one or more embodiments, the solvent comprises propylene carbonate,gamma-butyrolactone, gamma-valerolactone, N-methylpyrrolidone or di-,tri-polyethylene glycols or their esters.

In one or more embodiments, the electrochromic composition furthercomprises between 0.4% and 3.6% of the cathodic component, between 30%and 45% of polymer thickener, between 0.3 and 3.0% of the anodiccomponent and the balance being the solvent.

In one or more embodiments, the electrochromic composition furthercomprises at least one antioxidant.

In one or more embodiments, the at least one antioxidant comprises apolyphenol.

In one or more embodiments, the at least one antioxidant comprises asterically hindered phenol.

In one or more embodiments, the at least one antioxidant comprises anionol.

In one or more embodiments, the wearable electro-optical device furthercomprising an ultraviolet filter.

In one or more embodiments, the ultra-violet filter comprises abenzophenone.

In one or more embodiments, the ultra-violet filter comprises acinnamate.

In one or more embodiments, the wearable electro-optical device isglasses.

In one or more embodiments, the wearable electro-optical device isvirtual/augmented reality glasses.

In one or more embodiments, the control command is received fromvirtual/augmented reality software.

In one or more embodiments, in response to the control command, thecontroller causes the electrochromic layer to have a high lighttransmittance and wherein the control command is issued when thevirtual/augmented reality software operates in an augmented realitymode.

In one or more embodiments, in response to the control command, thecontroller causes the electrochromic layer to have a low lighttransmittance and wherein the control command is issued when thevirtual/augmented reality software operates in a virtual reality mode.

In one or more embodiments, the wearable electro-optical device is ahelmet faceshield.

In one or more embodiments, the wearable electro-optical device furthercomprises a control button electrically coupled to the controller andoperable to receive the control command from the user.

In one or more embodiments, the wearable electro-optical device furthercomprises a sensor of ambient light electrically coupled to thecontroller and wherein the controller is operable to vary lighttransmittance of the electrochromic layer based on a signal from thesensor of ambient light.

In one or more embodiments, in response to the control command, thecontroller causes the electrochromic layer to have a high lighttransmittance when the sensor of ambient light indicates low ambientlight condition.

In one or more embodiments, in response to the control command, thecontroller causes the electrochromic layer to have a low lighttransmittance when the sensor of ambient light indicates high ambientlight condition.

Additional aspects related to the invention will be set forth in part inthe description which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Aspects ofthe invention may be realized and attained by means of the elements andcombinations of various elements and aspects particularly pointed out inthe following detailed description and the appended claims.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing and the followingdescriptions are exemplary and explanatory only and are not intended tolimit the claimed invention or application thereof in any mannerwhatsoever.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification exemplify the embodiments of the presentinvention and, together with the description, serve to explain andillustrate principles of the inventive technique. Specifically:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary application of an embodiment of thedescribed electrochromic composition in electrochromic devices such aselectronically controlled virtual/augmented reality glasses, sunglassesand helmet faceshields.

FIG. 2 illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of an electrochromicdevice with an integrated electrical power source.

FIG. 3 illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of an electrochromicdevice with an integrated electrical power source.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of sunglasses orvirtual/augmented reality glasses using a photochromic layer operatingin a transparent optical mode.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of sunglasses orvirtual/augmented reality glasses using a photochromic layer operatingin an opaque optical mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference will be made to theaccompanying drawing(s), in which identical functional elements aredesignated with like numerals. The aforementioned accompanying drawingsshow by way of illustration, and not by way of limitation, specificembodiments and implementations consistent with principles of thepresent invention. These implementations are described in sufficientdetail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention andit is to be understood that other implementations may be utilized andthat structural changes and/or substitutions of various elements may bemade without departing from the scope and spirit of present invention.The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be construed ina limited sense.

In accordance with one aspect of the embodiments described herein, thereis provided a novel virtual/augmented reality glasses. In oneembodiment, to enable a rapid switch between the virtual and augmentedreality modes, the aforesaid glasses incorporate an additional opticallayer, which can be electrically switched between being completelyopaque to the incident light in the visual spectrum in a virtual realitymode to being at least partially transparent to the visual spectrumlight in the augmented reality mode. In one embodiment, such rapidchange in the light transmittance of the virtual/augmented realityglasses is accomplished using an electrochromic optical layer disposedin the virtual/augmented reality glasses, which is electrically coupledto a controller device incorporating an electrical power source. Thecontroller is configured to apply voltage to the electrochromic opticallayer such as to achieve a desired degree of light transmission. In oneor more embodiments, the aforesaid controller may be activated by user'scomputing device, such as a smartphone, a personal computer or acomputing device embedded into the virtual/augmented reality glasses.

In accordance with another aspect of the embodiments described herein,there is provided a novel sunglasses and helmet faceshieldsincorporating an additional optical layer with electrically controlledlight transmittance. In one embodiment, the aforesaid additional opticallayer is a photochromic layer coupled to a controller deviceincorporating an electrical power source. The controller is configuredto apply voltage to the electrochromic optical layer such as to achievea desired degree of light transmission. In one embodiment, the aforesaidsunglasses and helmet faceshields are action glasses or action helmetfaceshields.

In accordance with one aspect of the embodiments described herein, thereare provided electrochromic compositions for use in devices withelectrically controlled (voltage-controlled) absorption of light such aselectronically controlled virtual/augmented reality glasses, sunglassesand helmet faceshields. Various embodiments of the describedelectrochromic compositions may be used, for example, for creatinglight-transmitting coatings of electronically controlledvirtual/augmented reality glasses, sunglasses and helmet faceshieldsSpecifically, described is an embodiment of an organic electrochromiccomposition that is based an biocompatible and biodegradable componentsand is characterized by an increased service life as well as a high rateof light-transmittance change in response to the change in thecontrolled voltage. The described novel techniques enable preparingelectrochromic compositions in a wide range of light-absorption spectraand coating colors.

In one or more embodiments, there is provided an electrochromiccomposition comprising a cathodic component such as—1,1′-dialkyl-4,4′-bipyridine with anions of BF₄-, PF₆-, ClO₄-, CF₃SO₃- or (CF₃SO₂)₂N—;an anodic component such as 0.3 to 3.0% of a ferrocene derivative; anelectrode reaction accelerator additive such as 0.5% % of a ferroceniumsalt; and a solvent such as propylene carbonate or N-methylpyrrolidoneor a di-, tri-, [or another] polyethylene glycole or their ethers as thebalance.

Specifically, in one exemplary embodiment, the electrochromiccomposition comprises a cathodic component in the form of1,1′-dialkyl-4, 4′-bipyridine with complex fluoride anions such as BF₄—,PF₆—, and organic anions such as CF₃SO₃— or (CF₃SO₂)₂N—; an anodiccomponent in the form of a ferrocene derivative; and a solvent such aspropylene carbonate or N-methylpyrrolidone or di-, tri-, [or other]polyethylene glycols and their esters; as well as biodegradable polymersin the form of polylactic acid or poly-3-hydroxybutyrate; the componentsbeing used in the following mass percentage quantities: 0.3 to 3.2 ofthe cathodic component in the form of 1,1′-dimethyl-4,4′-dipyridine withanions such as BF₄— and ClO₄— or 0.5 to 4.4 of1,1′-dibenzyl-4,4′-dipyridine with anions BF₄— and ClO₄—; 0.3 to 3.0 ofthe anodic component in the form of a ferrocene derivative; and thebalance being a solvent. The described electrochromic composition ischaracterized by the replacement of used solvent and polymer thickeneras well as simplification of the component composition.

In one or more embodiments, the additives comprise antioxidantsincluding, without limitation, polyphenols, sterically hindered phenols,and/or ionol; and UV filters such as benzophenones and cinnamates.

It should be noted that modification of the described components impartsto the composition new properties, i.e., improved service life andincreased rate of switching of light transmittance with application ofthe control voltage.

In one or more embodiments, an electrochromic device for testing of thecompositions consisted of two polymer films coated on their inner sideswith semiconductor coatings of In₂O₃ films with doping additives orfilms coated with current-conductive metal meshes. The distance betweenthe films in the device was determined by the thickness of the inertfiller introduced into the electrochromic composition for maintaining aconstant thickness of the electrochromic layer. The electrochromiccomposition was introduced between the films, and then both films werebonded to one another over the perimeter.

Certain specific examples of the application of the describedelectrochromic composition will now be described.

Example 1

A first exemplary composition was prepared by dissolving1,1′-dibenzyl-4,4′-bipyridinium di(perchlorate) to a concentration of1.2% and 1,1′-diethylferrocene as well as a copolymer of methylacrylateand acrylic acid to a concentration of 33.8% in propylene carbonate. Theresulting composition was used for constructing an electrochromic devicehaving the thickness of the inter-electrode spacing being 100 μm. In theinitial state, the composition had a light yellowish color. When voltageof 1.5 V was applied, the color turned blue. Initial transmittance was70%. The electrochromic device was tested for 8 hours per day under thefollowing conditions: coloring for 30 seconds at U=1.5 V anddiscoloration for 30 seconds by circuiting the electrodes. After 3 and 6months of work in a non-colored state, the light transmittance was 65%and 61%, respectively.

Example 2

A second exemplary composition was prepared by dissolving1,1′-dibenzyl-4,4′-bipyridinium di(perchlorate) to concentration of 1.2%1,1′-diethylferrocene to a concentration of 0.5%, and a copolymer ofmethylacrylate and acrylic acid to a concentration of 33.8% in propylenecarbonate. The resulting composition was used for filling a 50-μminterelectrode space of the electrochromic device. In the initial state,the composition was practically colorless. When voltage of 1.5 V wasapplied, the color turned blue. Initial transmittance was 78%. Theelectrochromic device was tested for 8 hours per day under the followingconditions: coloring for 30 seconds at U=1.5 V and discoloration for 30seconds by circuiting the electrodes. After 3 and 6 months of work in anoncolored state, transmittance was 75% and 69%, respectively.

Example 3

A third exemplary composition was prepared by dissolving1,1′-dibenzyl-4,4′-bipyridinium di(perchlorate) to a concentration of1.2%, 1,1′-diethylferrocene to a concentration of 0.5%, and polyvinylacetate to a concentration of 34% in propylene carbonate. The resultingcomposition was used for filling a 50-μm interelectrode space of anelectrochromic device. In the initial state, the composition waspractically colorless. When voltage of 1.5 V was applied, the colorturned blue. Initial transmittance was 77%. The electrochromic devicewas tested for 8 hours per day under the following conditions: coloringfor 30 seconds at U=1.5 V and discoloration for 30 seconds by circuitingthe electrodes. After 3 and 6 months of work in a noncolored state,transmittance was 73% and 65%, respectively.

In one or more embodiments, the upper limit of concentrations wasdetermined by solubility of quaternary salts of bipyridine in thesolvent used, and the lower limit was defined by the minimal value oflight absorption in an electrically colored state at which it becameunsuitable for practical use. Furthermore, the proposed compositioncomprises an additive that accelerates electrode reaction and thusshortens switching time of the device.

The embodiments of the electrochromic compositions for use inelectronically controlled virtual/augmented reality glasses, sunglassesand helmet faceshields described herein have a prolonged service life,during which the main optical light characteristic, i.e., lighttransmittance, is preserved.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary application of an embodiment of thedescribed electrochromic composition in electrochromic devices such aselectronically controlled virtual/augmented reality glasses, sunglassesand helmet faceshields.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 , the describedelectrochromic composition (3) is embodied as a layer (3) of anarbitrary thickness located between two transparent conductive layers(2). The thickness of the electrochromic layer is defined by thespecific use and may range from 25 μm to 20 μm. Transparent conductivelayers (2) are arranged on a substrate (1), which functions as aprotective and fixing layer. Control voltage is supplied to thetransparent electrically conductive layers (4) by lead wires or loops.

In accordance with another aspect of the embodiments described herein,there are provided novel electrochromic devices with an integratedelectrical power source for electrically controlling, by varying appliedelectrical voltage, the absorption of light in the electro-opticdevices, such as electronically controlled virtual/augmented realityglasses, sunglasses and helmet faceshields. Various embodiments of thedescribed novel electrochromic devices may be used, for example, forcreating variable light-transmitting coatings of electronicallycontrolled virtual/augmented reality glasses, sunglasses and helmetfaceshields. Even though the following description uses the a power cellas an exemplary integrated electrical power source, the aforesaidintegrated electrical power source can be any now known or laterdeveloped source of electrical energy, including, without limitation,photovoltaic (solar) cell, non-rechargeable battery, such as alkalinebattery, rechargeable battery, such as NiCd, NiMH or lithium battery,nuclear isotope power generator, induction-based generator, and/orpiezoelectric generator. As would be appreciated by persons of ordinaryskill in the art, the invention is not limited to any specificelectrical power source and any other now known or later developedsource of electrical energy can also be used.

FIG. 2 illustrates a first exemplary embodiment 200 of an electrochromicdevice with an integrated electrical power source. In one or moreembodiments, the electrochromic device 200 is disposed on a glasssubstrate 201, which could be a lens of glasses or a lens of afaceshield of a helmet or any other type of optically transparent rigidor semi-rigid material. The electrochromic device 200 further includesan active electrochromic film of glass layer 202 mechanically attachedto the glass substrate 201 using appropriate adhesion technique, such asglue or electrostatic adhesion. The electrochromic layer 202 is capableof varying its optical properties based on electric voltage applied tothe electrochromic layer 202. The aforesaid optical properties mayinclude transparency, color and/or opacity.

In one or more embodiments, the electrochromic device 200 furtherincorporates a power cell 203 for generating electrical energy forcontrolling the optical properties of the electrochromic layer 202. Todeliver the generated electrical energy from the power cell 203 to theelectrochromic layer 202, the latter are connected using electricconducting wiring 204. In one or more embodiments, a controller may beprovided or near the power cell 203 for controlling the opticalproperties of the electrochromic layer 202 based on user commands byutilizing the electrical energy generated by the power cell 203. On oneor more embodiments, the power cell 203 is disposed in the closeproximity of the electrochromic layer 202, such as within the enclosureof the virtual/augmented reality glasses, sunglasses or the helmet. Thecontroller is configured to convert the electrical energy generated bythe power cell 203 to achieve the necessary voltage (or current) forcontrolling the optical properties of the electrochromic layer 202consistent with the user's commands or with the content being providedto the user. In one or more embodiments, the controller may incorporatea voltage converter, such as a buck converter well known to persons ofordinary skill in the art. In the same or different embodiment, thecontroller may incorporate a wireless receiver for receiving user'scommands from a remote control operated by the user. The wirelessreceiver may be a radio-based receiver or an infra-red based receiver.

FIG. 3 illustrates a second exemplary embodiment 300 of anelectrochromic device with an integrated electrical power source. In oneor more embodiments, the electrochromic device 300 is also disposed onthe glass substrate 201, which could be a lens of glasses or a lens of afaceshield of a helmet or any other type of optically transparent rigidor semi-rigid material. The electrochromic device 300 further includesan active electrochromic film or glass layer 202 mechanically attachedto the glass substrate 201 using appropriate adhesion technique, such asor electrostatic adhesion. The electrochromic layer 202 is capable ofvarying its optical properties based on electric voltage applied to theelectrochromic layer 202.

In one or more embodiments, the electrochromic device 300 furtherincorporates a photovoltaic cell 303 for generating electrical energyfor controlling the optical properties of the electrochromic layer 202.In the electrochromic device 300, the photovoltaic cell 203 is made of atransparent material and disposed directly on the glass substrate 201 oron the electrochromic layer 202 or between them. The photovoltaic cell203 may be directly mechanically attached to the glass substrate 201and/or on the electrochromic layer 202 using glue or other adhesionsystems or methods known in the art.

Electrically conducting wiring 204 conducts the electric energygenerated by the photovoltaic cell 303 to the electrochromic layer 202in order to control the optical properties of the electrochromic layer202 in a manner specified by the user. In one or more embodiments, acontroller may be also provided with substantially similar functions tothe controller described above in connection with the embodiment 200illustrated in FIG. 2 .

In various embodiments, the aforesaid controller has a Bluetooth, Wi-Fiand/or infra-red connectivity allowing the users to use their mobiledevices to control the described electrochromic device. In oneembodiment, the controller may wirelessly communicate withvirtual/augmented reality computing device, such as gaming PC, whichprovides the appropriate digital content to the user. In thisembodiment, the controlled would cause the opacity of the electrochromiclayer to change based on the digital content provided to the user by thevirtual/augmented reality computing device, such as gaming PC. Inanother embodiment, the controller incorporate one or more ambientconditions sensors such as luminosity sensor and is configured tocontrol the optical properties of the electrocjromis layer based on thedetected ambient conditions. For example, when a bright ambient light isdetected, the controller may be configured to increase opacity of theelectrochromic layer.

In various embodiments, the functionality of the controller mayaccessible through a software application executing on iOS, Android (orother operating systems) as well as from a computer using an applicationprogramming interface. In one embodiment, the controller can mate with awireless remote switch.

In one embodiment, the electrochromic layer made utilizing the methoddescribed herein is characterized by low cost and ease of manufacturing.Moreover, this layer is characterized by fast response times beingcapable of switching in a matter of seconds between the transparentstate (about 85% transmission) and darkened state (about 1.5%transmission). Additional advantages of the aforesaid electrochromiclayer include its flexibility (bending radius can reach 4 cm) and thepossibility of obtaining the optical layer of various colors in lowlighting conditions, such as blue, purple, black, green, brown.

Furthermore, adding ultraviolet (UV) blocking compounds to theelectrochromic composition enables effective UV blocking by the glasses,sunglasses or helmet faceshields manufactured based on the describedtechnology in both opaque and transparent operating modes.

The response time of the glasses, sunglasses or helmet faceshieldsmanufactured based on the described technology may be improved byintroducing into the electrochromic composition indifferent electrolytesand/or ionic liquids. In this embodiment, the response time of theglasses, sunglasses or helmet faceshields may be reduced to 3-10seconds, which permits near real-time response to the changes in ambientlight conditions.

When used in the dark mode, the aforesaid electrochromic compositionblocks electromagnetic radiation in the entire visible range, whichenables the use of the electrochromic layer in the virtual/augmentedreality glasses, capable of switching between virtual and augmentedreality modes.

Finally, because the described electrochromic composition may be used inconjunction with flexible electrically conductive electrodes forproducing electrochromic devices, this simplifies the process forincorporating the described electrochromic layer into thevirtual/augmented reality glasses, sunglasses or helmet faceshields.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of sunglasses orvirtual/augmented reality glasses 400 using the described photochromiclayer. The embodiment 400 incorporates glasses frame 401 as well as aplurality of optical layers 402, 403 and 404. The optical layer 402 isan electrochromic layer configured to change its light transmittance inresponse to a control voltage supplied by a controller 405. Thecontroller 405 is powered by a power source 406, which may be a battery,such as a lithium battery, a photovoltaic cell or any other type ofelectric power source. The controller 405 is configured to cause adesired change in the light transmittance of the electrochromic layer402 in response to the user pressing a control button 407. Upondetecting the button press event, the controller 405 applies thecorresponding voltage to the electrochromic layer 402 to achieve auser-specified degree of light transmittance of the sunglasses orvirtual/augmented reality glasses 400. In an alternative embodiment, thetransmittance of the sunglasses or virtual/augmented reality glasses 400is controlled automatically, based on the context of the user. Forexample, the virtual or augmented reality software may automaticallycause the electrochromic layer 402 to achieve specific opticalparameters required by its current operating mode (e.g. Virtual realityor augmented reality). In one or more embodiments, the optical layer 403is a ultra-violet filter.

In the embodiment 400 shown in FIG. 4 , the electrochromic layer 402 isin a transparent optical mode, which is characterized by high degree oflight transmittance. Such mode may be used when the virtual/augmentedreality glasses 400 operate in an augmented reality mode or whensunglasses are used in low-light environment. To this end, thecontroller 405 may receive an appropriate command from virtual/augmentedreality software or from a sensor of ambient light (not shown).

On the other hand, in the embodiment 500 shown in FIG. 5 , theelectrochromic layer 402 is in an opaque optical mode, which ischaracterized by low degree of light transmittance. Such mode may beused when the virtual/augmented reality glasses 500 operate in a virtualreality mode or when sunglasses are used in bright light environment,such as daylight.

It should be noted that the aforesaid embodiments 400 and 500 mayincorporate a variety of other elements, such as optical components forcreating a projected computer-generated image in user's field of viewand use in virtual/augmented reality mode. Such components are wellknown to persons of ordinary skill in the art and, thus, are notdescribed herein. Furthermore, the described concepts and techniques arenot limited in their application to only virtual/augmented realityglasses, sunglasses or helmet faceshields. The same described systemsand components may be used in any now known or later developed wearableor none-wearable electro-optical devices, including goggles, nightvision goggles, binoculars, night vision binoculars and the like. Aswould be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art, the abovetechniques may be especially useful for protecting night visionequipment from damage caused by bright light.

Finally, it should be understood that processes and techniques describedherein are not inherently related to any particular apparatus and may beimplemented by any suitable combination of components. Further, varioustypes of general purpose devices may be used in accordance with theteachings described herein. It may also prove advantageous to constructspecialized apparatus to perform the method steps described herein. Thepresent invention has been described in relation to particular examples,which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather thanrestrictive.

Moreover, other implementations of the invention will be apparent tothose skilled in the art from consideration of the specification andpractice of the invention disclosed herein. Various aspects and/orcomponents of the described embodiments may be used singly or in anycombination in wearable electro-optical devices, such asvirtual/augmented reality glasses, sunglasses or helmet faceshields withcontrolled light transmittance utilizing an electrochromic device. It isintended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplaryonly, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated bythe following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wearable electro-optical device comprising: anelectrochromic layer of active electrochromic components dissolved in apolymer matrix, wherein the electrochromic layer comprises anelectrochromic composition comprising a cathodic component in the formof a quaternary salt of dipyridine and an anodic component; a controllerelectrically coupled to the electrochromic layer and configured to applya controlling voltage to the electrochromic layer causing an electriccharge to pass through the electrochromic layer in response to areceived control command to vary light transmittance of theelectrochromic layer; and a power source for supplying electrical powerto the controller.
 2. The wearable electro-optical device of claim 1,wherein the anodic component is in the form of a ferrocene derivative orheterocyclic compound capable of switching between two oxidation states.3. The wearable electro-optical device of claim 1, wherein the wearableelectro-optical device further comprises a control button electricallycoupled to the controller and operable to receive the control commandfrom a user.
 4. The wearable electro-optical device of claim 1, whereinthe wearable electro-optical device further comprises a sensor ofambient light electrically coupled to the controller and wherein thecontroller is operable to vary light transmittance of the electrochromiclayer based on a signal from the sensor of ambient light.
 5. Thewearable electro-optical device of claim 1, wherein the electrochromiclayer is disposed between two flexible electrically conductiveelectrodes.
 6. The wearable electro-optical device of claim 1, furtherincluding an integrated power source for supplying electrical power tothe controller.
 7. The wearable electro-optical device of claim 6,wherein the integrated power source is a non-rechargeable orrechargeable battery.
 8. The wearable electro-optical device of claim 1,wherein control incorporates a voltage converter.
 9. The wearableelectro-optical device of claim 1, wherein the control incorporates awireless receiver for receiving a user's command from a remote controloperated by the user.
 10. The wearable electro-optical device of claim1, wherein the cathodic component comprises a salt of cation of1,1′-dialkyl-4,4′-dipyridinium (alkyl group) or 1,1-(alkane-alpha(alkaline spacer), omega-diyl)-bis-(1′-alkyl-4,4′-dipiridinium) withweakly coordinated anions.
 11. The wearable electro-optical device ofclaim 1, wherein the light transmittance of the electrochromic layerchanges between a transparent state and darkened state in approximately3-10 seconds or in real-time.
 12. The wearable electro-optical device ofclaim 1, wherein the light transmittance of the electrochromic layeroccurs in the absence of heat.
 13. Virtual or augmented reality glassescomprising: (a) an electrochromic layer, wherein the electrochromiclayer comprises an electrochromic composition comprising a cathodiccomponent in the form of a quaternary salt of dipyridine and an anodiccomponent; (b) a controller electrically coupled to the electrochromiclayer and configured to apply a controlling voltage to theelectrochromic layer causing an electric charge to pass through theelectrochromic layer in response to a received control command to varylight transmittance of the electrochromic layer; and (c) a power sourcefor supplying electrical power to the controller.
 14. The virtual oraugmented reality glasses of claim 13, wherein the control is activatedby a user's computing device.
 15. The virtual or augmented realityglasses of claim 14, wherein light transmission of the electrochromiclayer changes based on digital content provided the user's computingdevice.
 16. The virtual or augmented reality glasses of claim 13,wherein the control incorporates one or more ambient conditions sensorsand is configured to control the optical properties of theelectrochromic layer based on the detected ambient conditions.
 17. Thevirtual or augmented reality glasses of claim 13, wherein theelectrochromic layer comprises active electrochromic componentsdissolved in a polymer matrix.
 18. Sun glasses comprising: (a) anelectrochromic layer, wherein the electrochromic layer comprises anelectrochromic composition comprising a cathodic component in the formof a quaternary salt of dipyridine and an anodic component; (b) acontroller electrically coupled to the electrochromic layer andconfigured to apply a controlling voltage to the electrochromic layercausing an electric charge to pass through the electrochromic layer inresponse to a received control command to vary light transmittance ofthe electrochromic layer; and (c) a power source for supplyingelectrical power to the controller.
 19. The sun glasses of claim 18,wherein the sun glasses further comprises a sensor of ambient lightelectrically coupled to the controller and wherein the controller isoperable to vary light transmittance of the electrochromic layer basedon a signal from the sensor of ambient light.
 20. The sun glasses ofclaim 18, wherein the sun glasses further comprises a control buttonelectrically coupled to the controller and operable to receive thecontrol command from a user.
 21. The sun glasses of claim 18, furtherincluding an integrated power source for supplying electrical power tothe controller.
 22. The sun glasses of claim 18, wherein theelectrochromic layer further comprises ultraviolet blocking compounds.23. The sun glasses of claim 18, wherein the electrochromic layercomprises active electrochromic components dissolved in a polymermatrix.